The Wellesley Board of Selectmen and Planning Board on Tuesday discussed creating a housing production plan that would give the town more control over the future of affordable housing development here.

Citing a lack of tools to address the possible negative impacts of 40B projects foisted upon the town, Planning Board Chair Deb Carpenter said: “The purpose of the housing production plan is to enable us to look at housing needs comprehensively and give us tools to develop projects that have affordable market rate diversity of housing that will put us in a position of not being vulnerable to the kind of developments that we’re seeing now that people are unhappy with.”

A housing production plan, according to assistant executive director for the BoS office Meghan Jop, would entail a housing needs assessment to reach the 10% affordable housing threshold, setting goals for where to construct affordable housing, figuring out how many units a year would [Read more…]

The Wellesley Historical Commission, a seven-member volunteer board of Town government, is seeking residents to fill several principal board member vacancies.

The WHC is the primary advocate for the protection of Wellesley’s historic properties, both public and private. Our mission is to ensure that the historic structures and spaces that define the character of Wellesley are not lost for future generations. We frequently collaborate with Town boards and departments, builders, realtors, and residents, providing expert advice on projects involving historic resources to ensure that growth can coincide with preservation. We also advocate for public bylaws and private actions that encourage the preservation, restoration, and innovative reuse of historic properties. The WHC will also be overseeing newly adopted Article 46C of the Town Bylaws, Historic Preservation Demolition Review Bylaw (a/k/a the demolition delay bylaw), effective July 1, 2017.

You can learn more about our recent activities — including establishing new Historic Districts, advising Town boards on historic preservation projects, and expanding our signature historic house plaque program — at www.wellesleyhistoricalcommission.org.

Members are appointed by the Board of Selectmen for a three-year term. Knowledge of architecture, construction, historic preservation, governmental affairs or political advocacy are strongly encouraged, but not required. If interested, please email a brief statement with your interests, qualifications, and contact information to [email protected] by Friday, June 9, 2017. We anticipate that we will schedule candidate interviews during a to-be-determined evening meeting in June 2017.

Affordable housing, a rarity in Wellesley, is set to become available at Wellesley Place, 978 Worcester St. There will be a public information meeting at Town Hall in the Great Room on Tuesday, June 6, 6:30pm for those who would like to learn the details about the seven affordable one- and two-bedroom apartments, which will rent for $1,481 and $1,657 per month for eligible tenants. The application deadline is July 5, 2017.

For the seven units the new 36-rental, smoke-free development has set aside as affordable housing, one assigned garage parking space is provided to each unit. Each unit includes a washer and dryer. Pets are allowed, per the pet policy. Heat, hot water, and water/sewer are included in the rent. Two of the one-bedroom units are handicap accessible. All affordable units will be distributed by lottery.

SPONSORED POST: The big day is practically upon us HERE — The Wellesley Kitchen and Home Tour, hosted by the Wellesley Hills Junior Women’s Club, will take place on Saturday, May 6, 11am – 3pm. Tickets may be purchased in advance online for $45, or on the day of the tour at the tour homes for $55. All proceeds benefit local charities and scholarship programs.

The homes on the tour range from a custom-built showstopper to a modern rustic farmhouse, and can be toured at 14 Deerfield Rd.; 22 Dover Rd.; 10 Essex Rd.; 38 Suffolk Rd.; 90 Seaward Rd.; and 19 Wingate Rd.

A true marvel of a modern farmhouse at 19 Wingate Rd. Photo credit: Sean Litchfield

Attendees will be offered a gourmet bite at each of the houses from local chefs, caterers and restaurants. On hand will be David’s Catering and Events; Yale Lighting + Appliance (there demonstration chef will be there); Alta Strada; The Local; Thirst Juice Co.; Tru Chocolate.

Vendors will also be on hand from the following boutiqes (Remember, Mother’s Day is on May 14): Sprig & Vine Oils and Vinears; Pam’s Pashminas; Tina Labadini Designs; Papers & Presents; The Pink Poppy; Fleuri Designs.

So get Saturday, May 6, Kitchen Tour into your calendar right now. In the meantime, you can find sneak peeks of the homes, and information as it’s updated on the WHJWC’s Instagram and Facebook.

I’ve bought my ticket. Where do I go on the day of the event?Bring your ticket to any of the houses to start the tour.

I didn’t buy a ticket in advance but it’s the day of the event and I want to go! What do I do?
Go to any of the addresses listed above and buy a ticket at the door. The Tour accepts cash, check, or credit card.

Should I go to the houses in the order they’re listed?
No, you can start at any house and go in any order.

Can I keep my shoes on?
No. At each house, everyone takes off their shoes and puts booties on.

Can I touch? Can I photograph?
No touching please. And no photography.

Can I bring my infant in a carrier?
Sorry, no children under the age of 18 are allowed on the Tour.